A series battery start controller for starting an aircraft turbine engine and method thereof is provided, wherein the battery series start controller connects two batteries in series when an aircraft engine starter is engaged to provide a higher voltage to start the aircraft engine and to provide adequate operational voltage to aircraft engine instruments and other aircraft electrical systems, and wherein the battery series start controller reconnects the batteries in parallel when the electrical load drawn by the starting aircraft engine decreases and the supplied voltage to the aircraft rises to a predetermined threshold.
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16. A method of starting an engine, comprising:
receiving an input signal from an engine starting device;
switching a first battery and a second battery configuration from a parallel connection to a series connection;
transmitting a voltage from the series connection of the first battery and the second battery to an engine starter;
detecting an on-board generator; and
returning the first battery and the second battery configuration back to the parallel connection when the on-board generator is detected.
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a series switching logic;
a relay control switch electrically coupled to the series switching logic;
a series-parallel relay electrically coupled to the relay control switch, wherein the series-parallel relay is configured to selectively configure a plurality of batteries between a series and parallel connection; and
a cutoff switch, wherein the cutoff switch is electrically coupled to the relay control switch and series switching logic, and wherein the cutoff switch is electrically coupled to a battery relay input.
9. An apparatus, comprising:
a series switching logic configured to receive an input signal, wherein when the series switching logic receives the input signal, the series switching logic transmits an output signal;
a relay control switch configured to receive the output signal from the series switching logic and configured to activate a series-parallel relay, wherein when the output signal from the series switching logic is received, the relay control switch activates the series-parallel relay that configures a first battery and a second battery into a series connection; and
a cutoff switch configured to detect an operating voltage, wherein when the operating voltage reaches a predetermined cutoff voltage, the cutoff switch terminates the output signal from the series switching logic and the first battery and the second battery are then reconfigured into a parallel connection.
2. The apparatus of
3. The apparatus of
4. The apparatus of
5. The apparatus of
6. The apparatus of
7. The apparatus of
8. The apparatus of
10. The apparatus of
11. The apparatus of
12. The apparatus of
13. The apparatus of
17. The method of
detecting an operating voltage; and
returning the first battery and the second battery configuration back to the parallel connection when the operating voltage reaches a predetermined cutoff voltage.
18. The method of
detecting an operating voltage; and
returning the first battery and the second battery configuration back to the parallel connection when the operating voltage reaches a predetermined kill voltage.
19. The method of
detecting an external power source; and
returning the first battery and the second battery configuration back to the parallel connection when the external power source is detected.
21. The method of
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Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Starting an aircraft turbine engine places an immense load on the electrical system of an aircraft, which often leads to an inadequate voltage supplied to the aircraft engine instruments and other aircraft systems. One solution is to use dual batteries to produce double voltage to improve starting performance; however, this requires a complex multiple-bus switching scheme to prevent the excess voltage needed to start an aircraft engine from reaching the engine instruments and other aircraft systems. Another current solution involves utilizing additional battery capacity to power the engine instruments during engine startup. Both existing solutions are quite complex, and the use of additional battery capacity results in unwanted excess weight on the aircraft. Accordingly, there is a need for a simplified solution to aircraft turbine engine startup that does not deprive the aircraft engine instruments and other aircraft systems from adequate voltage during engine startup.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed as comprising: a series switching logic, a relay control switch electrically coupled to the series switching logic, and a series-parallel relay electrically coupled to the relay control switch, wherein the series-parallel relay is configured to selectively configure a plurality of batteries between a series and parallel connection.
In other embodiments of the disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed as comprising: a series switching logic configured to receive an input signal, wherein when the series switching logic receives the input signal, the series switching logic transmits an output signal; a relay control switch configured to receive the output signal from the series switching logic and configured to activate a series-parallel relay, wherein when the output signal from the series switching logic is received, the relay control switch activates the series-parallel relay that configures a first battery and a second battery into a series connection; and a cutoff switch configured to detect an operating voltage, wherein when the operating voltage reaches a predetermined cutoff voltage, the cutoff switch terminates the output signal from the series switching logic and the first battery and the second battery are then reconfigured into a parallel connection.
In yet other embodiments of the disclosure, a method of starting an engine is disclosed as comprising: receiving an input signal from an engine starting device; switching a first battery and a second battery configuration from a parallel connection to a series connection; and transmitting a voltage from the series connection of the first battery and the second battery to an engine starter.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description:
It should be understood at the outset that although an illustrative implementation of one or more embodiments are provided below, the disclosed systems and/or methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary designs and implementations illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a series battery start controller in an engine starting system, such as, but not limited to, an aircraft turbine engine starting system. For example, in cases where engine startup places a significant load on an electrical system, thereby depriving engine instruments and other electrical systems of proper operating voltage, it may be desirable to utilize a series battery start controller to configure two batteries in series during engine startup to accommodate the electrical load required to start an engine and then reconfigure the two batteries in parallel once the electrical load decreases and the operating voltage rises to a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments of the disclosure, systems and methods are disclosed that comprise starting an engine, wherein a series battery controller receives an input signal from an engine starting system, wherein the series battery start controller sends a signal to a series-parallel relay to configure two batteries in a series connection to provide a higher voltage during initial engine startup, and wherein the two batteries are then reconfigured into a parallel connection when the operating voltage reaches a predetermined threshold voltage as determined by the characteristics of the series battery start controller.
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The battery start controller 110 may generally comprise a series switching logic 202, a relay control switch 204, a cutoff switch 206, and a kill switch 208. The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a plurality of inputs and outputs. In some embodiments, the battery start controller 110 may comprise a battery relay input 210 to provide power to the battery start controller 110. The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a battery relay output 224, coupled to the battery relay input 210. The battery relay output 224 may also be coupled to the series-parallel relay 108 to provide power to the series-parallel relay 108. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the battery series controller 110 may comprise a fuse 226, wherein the fuse 226 may be located internally to the battery start controller 110 between the battery relay input 210 and the battery relay output 224. In other embodiments, a fuse 226 may be located external to the battery start controller 110. It will also be appreciated by one skilled in the art that a fast-acting circuit breaker could be used in lieu of the fuse 226.
The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a plurality of inputs coupled to the series switching logic 202. In some embodiments, the battery start controller 110 may comprise a first engine start input 212 coupled to the series switching logic 202. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the battery start controller 110 may comprise a plurality of engine start inputs for embodiments comprising more than one engine 102, including a first engine start input 212 and a second engine start input 214 coupled to the series switching logic 202. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the first engine input 212 and the second engine input 214 may be coupled in parallel configuration. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the series switching logic 202 may be configured to receive an input signal from an engine start switch 112 sent to the first engine start input 212 and/or the second engine start input 214, wherein when an input signal is received, the series switching logic 202 transmits an output signal to the relay control switch 204.
The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a generator input 216 coupled to the series switching logic 202 and that is configured to detect the presence of a generator connected to an aircraft 100. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the series switching logic 202 may be configured to detect the presence of a generator connected to an aircraft 100, such that when a generator is detected, the series switching logic 202 is precluded from transmitting an output signal to the relay control switch 204. In some embodiments, the generator input 216 may be configured to detect the presence of an operating on-board generator. While the term generator is used in this embodiment, the disclosure should not be limited to this embodiment. Thus, a generator may comprise any equipment capable of producing electrical power to power an aircraft 100 as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.
Furthermore, the battery start controller 110 may also comprise an external power input 218 coupled to the series switching logic 202 and that is configured to detect the presence of an external power source connected to an aircraft 100. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the series switching logic 202 may be configured to detect the presence of an external power source connected to an aircraft 100, such that when an external power source is detected, the series switching logic 202 is precluded from transmitting an output signal to the relay control switch 204. As used in this embodiment, an external power source may include a hard-wired electrical connection, a generator, or any other capable means of sustaining the electrical demands of an aircraft 100 as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Generally, the generator input 216 and/or the external power input 218 may comprise a fail-safe built in to the series switching logic 202 to prevent the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 from being configured into a series connection. Because a generator connected to the generator input 216 or external power source connected to the external power input 218 generally provides adequate power to start an aircraft 100, by detecting the existence of any external power source, the series switching logic effectively prevents a voltage overload that may damage the engine instruments or other electrical systems of an aircraft 100.
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The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a cutoff switch 206. The cutoff switch 206 may generally be coupled to the series switching logic 202 and the relay control switch 204 at a terminal between the series switching logic 202 and the relay control switch 204. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the relay control switch 206 may also be coupled to the battery relay input 210 at a terminal between the battery relay input 210 and the battery relay output 224. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, the cutoff switch 206 may be configured to detect an operating voltage of an aircraft 100 as measured at the terminal of the cutoff switch 206 and the battery relay input 210. The cutoff switch 206 may also be configured to terminate an output signal transmitted by the series switching logic 202 to the relay control switch 204, wherein when the operating voltage reaches or exceeds a predetermined cutoff voltage, the cutoff switch 206 operates to reconfigure the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 into a parallel connection. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the predetermined cutoff voltage may be about twenty-nine (29) volts as determined by the characteristics of the circuit. It should be noted that the predetermined cutoff voltage of the cutoff switch 206 may be configured based on any number of criteria and in some embodiments may be a percentage of a battery voltage (e.g. 130%) or may be chosen based on the startup characteristics of an engine 102. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the cutoff switch 206 may also be coupled to a ground terminal 220 of the battery start controller 110. While a ground terminal 220 is provided in this embodiment, it should be understood that a ground terminal should not be limited to any particular embodiment, and a ground terminal may include a ground plane, direct chassis ground, or any other means of grounding an electrical connection as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.
Still referring to
It should be noted that in some embodiments, the series connection of the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 may generally supply an operating voltage of about forty-eight (48) volts to an aircraft 100 at engine startup. During engine startup, however, the operating voltage may drop to about twenty (20) volts due to the electrical demands of the engine starter 114. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the relay control switch 204 may be configured to detect an operating voltage of about twenty-nine (29) volts. Thus, as the electrical load required for engine startup decreases, the operating voltage may rise, wherein when the operating voltage reaches the predetermined cutoff voltage (e.g. twenty-nine (29) volts) of the cutoff switch 206, as determined by the characteristics of the circuit, the cutoff switch 206 operates to reconfigure the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 into a parallel connection, wherein a nominal operating voltage of about twenty-eight (28) volts may continue to be supplied to start the aircraft engine 102.
Additionally, it should also be noted that providing a higher operating voltage to an engine 102 during startup may contribute to decreased engine startup time. Generally, an engine must accelerate to a considerable speed before it will operate without the aid of an engine starter 114. However, providing a higher operating voltage to an engine starter 114 through the series configuration of the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 may allow and engine 102 to reach normal operating speeds in a shorter amount of time. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the series configuration of the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 may persist for about ten to fifteen seconds, wherein the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 are reconfigured into a parallel connection, wherein engine startup may persist for about an additional 10-15 seconds. An engine 102 may generally take as long as one minute to fully achieve the speed necessary to run on its own. Thus, in some embodiments of the disclosure, engine startup time may be reduced by about one-third (⅓) of normal engine startup time.
Referring now to
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The base of the transistor 300 of the series switching logic 202 may also be coupled to a plurality of inputs. In some embodiments of the disclosure, a diode 330 may be coupled between the generator input 216 and the base of the transistor 300, wherein the generator input 216 may be coupled to an anode of the diode 330 and the base of the transistor 300 may be coupled to a cathode of the diode 330. The base of the transistor 300 may also be coupled to an external power input 218. In some embodiments, the external power input 218 may be coupled to a cathode of a diode 332, wherein an anode of the diode 332 may be coupled to a first terminal of the resistor 324 of the series switching logic 20 and a second terminal of the resistor 324 may be coupled to the base of the transistor 300 of the series switching logic 202. The values of the diode 330 and the diode 332 may generally be chosen based on characteristics of the circuit. However, in some embodiments, the diode 330 and the diode 332 may comprise 1N914 diodes.
The collector of the transistor 300 of the series switching logic 202 may generally be coupled to the relay control switch 204 and the cutoff switch 206 through a resistor 308, wherein the collector of the transistor 300 may be connected to a first terminal of the resistor 308. It should be noted that the value of the transistor 300 may generally be chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit. In some embodiments of the disclosure the transistor 300 of the series switching logic 202 may comprise a bipolar junction transistor. For example, in some embodiments, the transistor 300 may comprise a 2N2907 bipolar junction transistor. The value of resistor 324 may also be chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the resistor 324 may comprise a 27,000 ohm or twenty-seven kiloohm (27 kΩ) resistor.
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The cutoff switch 206 may also comprise a voltage reference diode 306 comprising an anode and a cathode. In some embodiments, the anode of the voltage reference diode 306 may generally be coupled to the gate of the silicon-controlled rectifier 316 at a terminal between the positive terminal of the capacitor 318 and the first terminal of the resistor 334. The cathode of the voltage reference diode 306 generally may be coupled to a positive terminal of a capacitor 320, wherein the negative terminal of the capacitor 320 may be coupled to the ground terminal 320. It should be noted that the capacitor 320 may be chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit, wherein in some embodiments, the capacitor 320 may comprise a 22 microfarad capacitor. In order to receive a voltage reading, the anode of the voltage reference diode 306 may also be coupled to a first terminal of a resistor 304, wherein a second terminal of resistor 304 may generally be coupled to a terminal located between the fuse 226 and the battery relay output 224. The resistor 304 may be selected based on the characteristics of the circuit, wherein in some embodiments, the resistor 304 may comprise a ½ Watt, 0.1 Ohm resistor. The voltage reference diode 306 may also be generally referred to as a Zener diode, which one skilled in the art would appreciate as having similar characteristics and performing similar functions. Thus, the disclosure should not be limited to any one embodiment, and should include all equivalent components, chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit. However, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the voltage reference diode 306 may comprise a 1N5255 (28 Volts, ½ Watt) voltage reference diode.
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The kill switch 208 may also comprise a voltage reference diode 302 comprising an anode and a cathode. In some embodiments, the anode of the voltage reference diode 302 may generally be coupled to the gate of the silicon-controlled rectifier 322 at a terminal between the positive terminal of the capacitor 338 and the first terminal of the resistor 336. In some embodiments, the anode of the voltage reference diode 302 may be coupled to a first terminal of the resistor 304. The voltage reference diode 302 may also be generally referred to as a Zener diode, which one skilled in the art would appreciate as having similar characteristics and performing similar functions. Thus, the disclosure should not be limited to any one embodiment, and should include all equivalent components, chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit. However, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the voltage reference diode 302 may comprise a 1N5257 (33 Volts, ½ Watt) voltage reference diode.
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As used herein, the term “terminal” may refer to a conductive lead or wire, a conductive post, a conductive bump, a conductive ring, a plug, a conductive rod, a conductive fitting, pin, prong, bolt, stud, clip, tab, threaded hole, braid ending, brush, or any other conductive extension or receptacle. As such, a terminal may conceptually represent electrically connected and/or equivalent component parts that are formed as integrated units. For example, it is possible to form a capacitor, resistor, and inductor from wire or on a circuit board from metal traces, and in some cases, a terminal may refer to an arbitrary point along a wire or metal trace connecting electrical components. A terminal may also be considered to be synonymous with a node, connection, junction, and/or a trace. While a terminal may be metallic, a terminal may be formed of any conductive or semi-conductive material.
While the terms “base”, “emitter”, and “collector” have been used to describe the terminals of transistors which in some embodiments may be bipolar transistors, other transistor technologies may be used, such as MOSFET, JFET, CMOS, or any other suitable transistor type. Furthermore, different transistors may have different names, such as gate, source, and drain, which designate functions similar to bipolar transistors, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.
At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations, and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or features of the embodiment(s) made by a person having ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, R1, and an upper limit, Ru, is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=R1+k*(Ru−R1), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . , 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Unless otherwise stated, the term “about” shall mean plus or minus 10 percent of the subsequent value. Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that the element is required, or alternatively, the element is not required, both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention.
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